Southern Gospel World
Southern Gospel Reviews and Inspirational Insights

Yes, Lord, Yes

• February 9, 2011 at 10:53 pm in
  • Reflection

Trust and surrender: two attributes required of Christians but ones which can be hard to put into practice. For a year or two, these have been the traits which God has reminded me over and over again I need to possess. He’s helping me in so many ways but I still marvel at the fact that it is not habit to trust the Lord yet or to surrender my will to His. I’m closer than I used to be but many times, I still find my first reaction to be one of disbelief or fear. Thankfully, I serve a patient God who has to feel sadness as I doubt His wisdom. I may not consciously do so but, when my eyes aren’t on Him, I’m sure that’s what I’m communicating.

This week, I’m striving to draw closer to Him so I become more aware of Him every moment. If my eyes are on Him and I’m asking Him to truly order my day, I know He’ll be faithful to do so and I know He’ll give me strength for whatever comes. He is always trustworthy. I can always depend on Him and, because of that, my posture is “Yes, Lord, Yes to Your will and to Your way. Yes, Lord, Yes. I will trust you and obey. When Your Spirit speaks to me, with my whole heart I’ll agree and my answer will be Yes, Lord, Yes!”

The Good Fight

• February 5, 2011 at 10:42 pm in
  • Reflection

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)

What a testimony! How I long to be able to say that when my race is over. It is not always easy to fight the good fight but I remind myself that it is so worth it. To be able to reach the end of life and have my Father look at me with love in His eyes and say, “Well done, my faithful daughter, enter into your rest” will be a blessing beyond words. No amount of worldly pleasure can compare with that, and that is what my eyes are on.

If you have been tempted to give in lately, let me remind you that sin may seem pleasurable for a season but the punishment for sin is death. Even if you later repent, there may be consequences you will have to live with the rest of your life. It’s really not worth it.

We sing “I Surrender All” but I wonder how many people can honestly say they have totally surrendered to Christ to the point that they would do whatever He asks of them. I hope you can say that. He would not tell us that He would provide a way of escape if it weren’t true. Repent of your sins, and He will deliver you from whatever sins are a part of you today. It’s so important.

Relationships

• February 4, 2011 at 11:45 pm in
  • Reflection

It seems to me like the greatest wall in relationships is misunderstandings. Often, people think they know the motive for a person’s words or actions (or lack of them) when the real motive was something entirely different. I’ve been trying to figure out why that is. Why do people always believe the worst? What about preferring others above ourselves or love believing the best? I believe it’s because we’re a self-centered society. If we’re unhappy or hurting, it’s got to be someone’s fault … but it’s not mine!

In close relationships, there has to be giving and taking. If one person is doing all the giving and another is doing all the taking, it’s not much of a relationship. Sure, the one taking may think they’re getting along fine but the one giving is bound to wear out. When that happens, the taker will be hard pressed to figure out what happened but both will wish there had been a different outcome.

When you interact with people, are you looking for ways to serve them, or are you focused on what they can do for you? “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friend.” (John 15:13) Let’s strive to believe the best about others and give them the benefit of the doubt, especially when interacting with our Brothers and Sisters. If you’re starting to be offended by something they’re doing or not doing, talk to them. You may find out it was purely accidental, and your relationship will be stronger because you cared enough to ask about it as opposed to taking offense and allowing it to drive a wedge between you.

The Way That He Loves

• February 2, 2011 at 10:47 pm in
  • Reflection

Back in the 1970s, there was a popular song titled “The Way That He Loves.” I wish I could find it on YouTube so I could share it with you but I’ve been thinking about Christ’s love lately. His love truly is refreshing. It brightens our way. It gives us hope when we have no hope. If we’re honest, we know we don’t deserve the love of our King but, if you’re like me, you’ve come to depend on it. Maybe you haven’t thought about it but I would not want to live without Christ’s love.

As unfathomable as His love is, He desires that we love others with that same love. He is setting the example. We know what it means to be loved by Him. Are we willing to give of ourselves for others the way Christ gives Himself for us? I love the old Don Francisco song which says, “Love is not a feeling; it’s an act of your will.” I’m sure it’s not always easy for Christ to love us. There must be times He rolls His eyes or gets frustrated but He also realizes we’re weak humans and, as long as our heart is toward Him, He’s willing to pick us up and help us get back on the straight and narrow way. That’s what we need to do for our Brothers and Sisters. Let’s strive to truly bear with each other and encourage each other to keep growing in our walk with Christ. As we do so, we’ll begin to love the way that He loves.

Some More Random Thoughts

• January 31, 2011 at 10:37 pm in
  • Reflection

You may remember John Denver’s song, “Back Home Again.” I love to travel but there is something special about having a place to call home.

We had a great weekend in North Dakota. It’s been a long time since I’ve encountered temperatures so cold but I suspect I won’t complain about the coldness the rest of the winter. Right now, 20 degrees doesn’t feel so bad. 🙂

I hope you are doing well and feeling encouraged. It can be easy to lose sight of the fact that you are loved but I can tell you unequivocally that you are. I hope you feel that love today. If you don’t, draw near to Christ. He has promised in return to draw near to you, and He will love you like no one else will.

I know this is short and sweet (well, at least it’s short) but I’ll try to write more later this week. For now, let me just thank you again for taking the time to read my blog. May you have a blessed week keeping your eyes on Christ.

Spiritual Battle

• January 25, 2011 at 12:01 am in
  • Reflection

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

I don’t know if everyone feels the spiritual battle like I do but I feel it almost constantly. It seems like life is a struggle, whether it’s making the right choices, fighting to stay healthy, trying to attempt a simple task. It’s just plain hard. But I always know that, although I may feel the battle intensely at times, I’m not fighting it alone. Every time I win a battle, it’s only because my God is fighting it for me. He’s strong when I’m weak. When I’m ready to crumble, He comes along and picks me up and reminds me that “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

I’m thankful God loves me that much. No matter what today or tomorrow or next week brings, my God will still be here holding my hand and wielding His sword which the enemy has no power against. And with that thought, I can rest peacefully for nothing can harm me that He doesn’t allow. Thank You, Lord, for that reminder.